The person concerned was in receipt of unemployment assistance at the rate of £7.80 per week from 7 June 1995, based on a means assessment of £184.80 per week, derived from her spouse's self-employment in the transport business.
Her means were assessed at nil rate with effect from 22 May 1996, on the basis of information produced by her showing that her spouse's contract with a transport company had been terminated.She was awarded maximum rate of unemployment assistance.
However, when her case was investigated in March 1997, it was revealed that her spouse had other earnings from self-employment. A revised decision was made by a deciding officer, assessing means at £197 per week with effect from 22 May 1996. This revised decision had the effect of creating an overpayment of £7,312.61.
The person concerned appealed the decision to the independent social welfare appeals office on 23 April 1997. In accordance with the statutory procedures, a submission on the grounds of the appeal will be made on behalf of the deciding officer. The appeal will then be considered by an appeals officer.